The Freight Transport Association is calling for the early introduction of longer semi-trailers (LST) following a successful trial.

The Freight Transport Association is pushing the Department for Transport to conclude its trial of the vehicles early to bring them into general circulation as soon as possible.  As Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of UK Policy explains, this would have benefits for both HGV operators and other road users:  “FTA has supported the LST trial from the start, because of the vehicles’ ability to provide improvements in road miles and emissions for freight vehicles.  We are delighted to see that these claims have been borne out by this report, along with a lower accident rate than conventional vehicles.  With so many positive benefits to both commercial and other road users, it is now time for the government to conclude its trial early and approve an earlier-than-scheduled use of the trailers to enable operators to make investment commitments for the second generation of these vehicles.”

According to the 2017 DfT Annual Report for the ongoing LST trial, up to 32.9 million vehicle kilometres and 28,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions have been saved by just 0.5% of Britain’s HGVs using this extra two metres in length.  Accident rates have also reduced: on a per-kilometre basis, compared with the average for all GB articulated HGVs, the LSTs have been involved in 90% fewer personal injury collisions while operating on urban roads and 72% fewer when on minor roads.  The trial, which started in 2012, allows articulated goods vehicles to use longer than usual trailers and now reports on the findings of 2,800 vehicles.

“The results from the LST trial show that longer vehicles have a significant, positive benefit for the environment and other road users.  At a time when the freight industry is looking to reduce its environmental impact while continuing to deliver efficiencies to customers in the UK and further afield, LSTs are a solution which can help achieve both targets.  The industry deserves to have certainty that we have permanent access to these vehicles and we will be urging the government to move up the approval process for them.  Trading conditions are tough for the logistics industry at the moment – the introduction of LSTs would provide tangible benefits for both operators and other road users.”

Last year, the trial’s scheduled length was extended from 10 to 15 years so it will end in 2027 but, due to the promising results so far, FTA is pushing DfT for the trial to be made permanent.

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.  A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran